New Zealand's Joseph Parker Confronts Potential Ban After Positive Drugs Test
Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding in a anti-doping examination administered the very day he fought in 11th-round defeat against English fighter Fabio Wardley.
The Match Plus the Implications
Wardley and Parker engaged in a pulsating contest in London in late October to decide who would become next in line for the WBO against unified heavyweight titleholder Ukrainian champion Usyk.
Joseph Parker was previously the leading contender to challenge Usyk after stringing together a remarkable six-fight winning streak, but put his shot at the title on the line in the UK and suffered an 11th-round defeat.
Positive Test and Possible Outcomes
An ordinary examination administered to the boxer through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency on the day of the bout came back positive and now leaves Parker in a difficult position to clear his name.
His promotion team issued an announcement declaring: "The agency alerted everyone involved about Parker tested positive following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October. During the ongoing inquiry, no more comments will be made currently."
Professional History
Parker was crowned world champion in 2016 before he lost the WBO title by unanimous decision to British star Joshua at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.
Parker remained a regular competitor on British soil since then, having eight matches in total in Britain and transferring to Ireland for preparation under respected coach Andy Lee during this period.
Latest Events
Guided by Lee, Joseph Parker recovered from his 2022 loss to British heavyweight Joyce to chalk up multiple wins which put him as the top contender to face the champion until he suffered defeat against Wardley.
After the boxer produced a positive test during the Wardley bout, allegedly for cocaine, an investigation about the test outcome has been started.
- Parker returned an adverse finding for a banned substance.
- The test was administered by Vada on the fight day.
- Joseph Parker is confronting disciplinary action from the sport.
- Queensberry released a comment addressing the positive test.
- A review is currently in progress into the matter.
